You've likely heard the expression comparison is the thief of joy, right? And it is, but it is also the thief of success.
After 23 years in business, I've learned a lot about success from my process and working with my clients. In fact, I’ve learned more from my clients than through my process because I have to think and act creatively to make sure that I am advising in their highest interest and not my own.
I've never looked to trends, followed other people's paths, or felt obligated to ensure I'm doing something that another wants me to, especially in business. I've certainly listened to my customers, but I listen to myself more. After I put away the practice of people pleasing, and a need to balance the energy in any situation, that need to conform was even less.
As of today, it's relatively non-existent. I feel no need to define success based on another's opinion. And that is freaking freeing, may I tell you.
I do my research, listen to marketing tools and people quite often, and consider the direction of my business and how it can contribute to a healthier Society. I love technology and use it to my advantage without having it Define my every waking moment.
Once Upon A Time, I dreamed about a business that was so wildly successful that I traveled all the time, I talked on big stages, I had several books written, and of course, a nice big fat savings account. Some of those things are still on my list of success for what it means to me, but what's changed is I no longer want to work ridiculous hours to make that happen. My peace of mind and quiet parasympathetic system is more important.
Have you ever considered what success means to you? What if you took the societal messages of success away? What does it mean to you? What does your heart tell you about success? What does your soul say to you when asked what a successful life looks like? What matters most to you? How do you spend your time? How do you waste your time?
I have had the pleasure of working with people with bottomless checking accounts and massive amounts of wealth, and I will tell you, it wasn’t the level of success they thought they were aiming for. And yes, being able to pay the bills is a significant relief, and I wish that for all people, but the idea that success can only be measured in that way is a huge ego and societal misnomer.
The dictionary defines success as the accomplishment of an aim or purpose. Well, what if that aim or purpose was to live a life according to your terms? What if your terms were the ones perfect for you and that brought such joy and love to you? What if you didn’t use a measuring stick and instead became aware of what defines success for you?
What if you took the time to do that today?
And what if you tuned into this week’s podcast for some tips on how to do that?
What if…
Best,
Vicki
P.S. If you'd like a transcript of the podcast, head over to Youtube for video format
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